Friendship Circle - Five Towns is a Jewish youth organization formed to provide ongoing support to families who have children with special needs. As a division of The Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns, this Jewish organization teaches children the commandment of V’Ahavta L’Reacha Kamocha, “to love your fellow as yourself,” as well as enrich the lives of individuals with a wide range of social, recreational, and Jewish cultural experiences.

The network of friendships developed here is valuable to both volunteers and children, giving each a positive outlet to have fun. The connection encourages Jewish teenagers give back to their community. Both parties lives are enriched and profoundly transformed, enabling friend to work both ways!

A number of different programs are offered including Friends@Home, where volunteers visit children at home and enjoy activities such as baking, arts & craft, reading, and games. There is also Sunday Circle, where children receive one-on-one attention at the community center and participate in musical activities and special features. Siblings are encouraged to participate with their brothers and sisters, in order to get their own friend and receive one on one attention. There are also teen events, Mom's night out, holiday programs, sports nights, and other great community events.

More than 5,000 families who have children with special needs are currently benefiting from the Friendship Circle’s programs worldwide. There are also over 9,500 teenage volunteers and it’s growing every month as more young volunteers open their hearts. Visit Friendship Circle - Five Towns online or call (516) 295-2478 *13 to start joining in the family fun and make a difference to a child’s life!